Jeonnam Province Launches Tuberculosis Prevention Campaign for the Elderly

Marking the 15th Tuberculosis Prevention Day
Campaign Held at Suncheon Southern Senior Welfare Center
Relatively High Infection Rate Among Those Aged 65 and Older
Comprehensive Screenings to Expand to 17 Cities and Counties

Jeollanamdo conducted a campaign to prevent tuberculosis infection on the 24th at the Suncheon Nambu Senior Welfare Center in celebration of the 15th Tuberculosis Prevention Day. Provided by Jeonnam Province

On the 24th, Jeollanam-do held a campaign at the Suncheon Southern Senior Welfare Center to mark the 15th Tuberculosis Prevention Day, raising awareness about the importance of tuberculosis prevention and management.

The campaign featured participation from Jeollanam-do, Suncheon City, and the Gwangju-Jeonnam Branch of the Korean National Tuberculosis Association, operating tuberculosis prevention promotion booths and offering free tuberculosis screenings using a mobile examination vehicle.

Until the 29th, Tuberculosis Prevention Week will be held under the slogan "Tuberculosis ZERO, Let's Do It Together!" Public health centers in 22 cities and counties, along with related organizations, will provide tuberculosis information through websites, media, and social networking services (SNS), and will host various events such as free tuberculosis screenings, promotion booths, and guidance on prevention rules.

The incidence rate of tuberculosis in the Jeollanam-do region has been decreasing, with 55.4 cases per 100,000 people in 2021, 50.4 in 2022, and 45.8 in 2023, but the rate among those aged 65 and older remains high.

To minimize the incidence among those aged 65 and older, Jeollanam-do has been conducting comprehensive tuberculosis screenings at senior centers since 2023, the first initiative of its kind in the country. Over the past two years, 25,000 people in six cities and counties were screened, resulting in the detection and treatment of 31 patients.

This year, the program will expand to 17 cities and counties, accelerating tuberculosis screenings and personal hygiene education for seniors using senior centers.

Na Manseok, Director of the Infectious Disease Management Division of Jeollanam-do, said, "We will continue to expand mobile screening services for early detection and treatment to reduce the tuberculosis incidence rate among the elderly," and added, "If you have a cough or phlegm lasting more than two weeks, please be sure to visit a public health center or medical institution for a checkup."